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Rain, thunderstorms bring flash flood watches to state

This radar map, courtesy of the National Weather Service, shows rain moving through the state at 2:25 p.m. Flash flood watches have been issued for several counties in west central and north central Arkansas

This map, courtesy of the National Weather Service, shows various watches, warnings and advisories currently issued in the state. Flash flood watches for much of west central and north central Arkansas are scheduled to expire at 9 p.m. Friday.

Flash flood watches have been placed into effect for several counties in west central and north central Arkansas, not including Faulkner County, as a large area of showers and thunderstorms moves its way across the state.

The National Weather service said the showers are currently over the northwestern half of Arkansas, and will continue to move southeast until all rain exits the state around 3-4 a.m. Saturday.

Meteorologist John Robinson said total rainfall amounts are expected to range from 1/2 to 1-inch, but areas under flash flood watches could see more than 2 inches of rain.

Strong thunderstorms could be seen in southern Arkansas Friday evening. If the storms become severe, damaging winds is the main threat, Robinson said.

(Staff writer Lee Hogan can be reached by email at lee.hogan@thecabin.net or by phone at 505-1246. Follow Lee Hogan on Twitter at twitter.com/LCD_LeeHogan. To comment on this and other stories, log on to thecabin.net.)